Kisobushi: A thorough analysis of the appeal of Minna no Uta!

"Kiso Bushi": An animation that can be considered a treasure of NHK

"Kiso Bushi," broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in August 1963, is an appealing work that combines beautiful animation and music in a short two-minute time span. This work was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series, and has been loved by many viewers ever since. Below, we will introduce detailed information about this work and its appeal, and also delve into its background and influences.

Overview

"Kiso Bushi" is a TV anime series that was broadcast in August 1963, and its original media is listed as "other." It was broadcast on NHK Educational TV, now NHK E-Tele, and is a short work with only one episode and a broadcast time of two minutes. It was produced by Otogi Productions, and the copyright is owned by NHK.

Story and Music

"Kiso Bushi" is a work that depicts beautiful Japanese scenery and the traditional folk song "Kiso Bushi" against the backdrop of the flowing Kiso River. The animation depicts boats moving along the Kiso River and people working on the riverside, while the melody of "Kiso Bushi" plays. This folk song originated in the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture, and is characterized by a powerful rhythm and a melancholy melody. Animation and music work together to express the beauty of Japan's nature and culture.

Animation Features

The animation of "Kiso-bushi" makes use of the distinctive style of Otogi Productions. Otogi Productions was an animation studio active in the 1950s and 1960s, producing many children's animations. "Kiso-bushi" is impressive for its colorful, delicately drawn background paintings and animated characters. In particular, the flow of the Kiso River and the movement of the boats exude a beauty that can only be achieved through hand-drawn animation. The background paintings also depict the four seasons of Japan, beautifully expressing the changing of the seasons, such as the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves.

Background

"Kiso Bushi" was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series. "Minna no Uta" is a children's music program that began in 1961, and introduces new songs and animations every month. "Kiso Bushi" is one of the most popular works in this series, and has been rebroadcast many times since its broadcast, continuing to be loved by many viewers. It is said that the production team focused on fusing music and images, aiming to express the strength and beauty of folk songs through animation.

Impact and Evaluation

"Kiso Bushi" continues to be loved by many viewers even after it was broadcast, and can be considered a treasure of NHK. This work successfully attempted a new combination of traditional Japanese folk songs and animation, and had a major influence on later animation productions. It also played a role in conveying the beauty of Japanese culture and nature to children, and is highly regarded for its educational value. It was also introduced overseas, helping to spread Japanese culture around the world.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Kiso Bushi" can be viewed on the NHK official website and video streaming services. It is a must-see for anyone interested in traditional Japanese folk songs and animation. It will also be useful for teaching children about the beauty of Japanese culture and nature. It is also recommended for those looking for a work that combines music and video. "Kiso Bushi" is a work that can be called a treasure of NHK, as it is packed with beauty and strength in just two minutes.

Related works and information

Other works that were broadcast in the "Minna no Uta" series, like "Kiso Bushi," include the following. These works also allow you to enjoy traditional Japanese folk songs and animation.

• "Hometown": This animated film aired in October 1963 and depicts beautiful Japanese landscapes and folk songs.
• "Akatombo" (Red Dragonfly): This animation, broadcast in April 1964, depicts the red dragonfly, a symbol of summer.
• "Furusato": This animation, broadcast in June 1965, depicts the four seasons of Japan and the scenery of one's hometown.

Otogi Pro, which was involved in the production of "Kiso Bushi", has also produced the following works. You can enjoy Otogi Pro's distinctive style in these works as well.

• "Anpanman": This animation, which aired in 1969, features the beloved children's character "Anpanman."
• "Pinocchio": This animated film aired in 1972 and is a rendition of the Disney classic "Pinocchio."
• "Cinderella": This animated film aired in 1974 and is a rendition of Disney's classic "Cinderella."

summary

"Kiso Bushi" is a short animation of only 2 minutes that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV in 1963, but it is packed with traditional Japanese folk songs and beautiful animation. It was produced by Otogi Productions and the copyright is owned by NHK. This work expressed the beauty of Japanese nature and culture and also played a role in conveying its value to children. It has been rebroadcast many times since its broadcast and continues to be loved by many viewers. "Kiso Bushi" is a work that can be said to be a treasure of NHK, and is a work that anyone interested in traditional Japanese folk songs and animation should definitely watch. It will also be useful in teaching children about the beauty of Japanese culture and nature. In addition, it is recommended for those looking for a work that focuses on the fusion of music and images. "Kiso Bushi" is a work that can be said to be a treasure of NHK, as it makes you feel the beauty and strength packed into a short time of just 2 minutes.